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On August 5, Jessie Graff and several other American Ninja Warrior stars were invited to take part in the first Play LA, benefiting Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
The event brought kids face-to-face with professional athletes who led sports clinics, imparting skills and encouraging kids to stay active.
Some pretty cool non-Ninja names were there, like Laila Ali, Anderson Silva, Keyshawn Johnson, Marcellus Wiley, Shabazz Muhammad, Thomas Robinson, and Ryan Hollins.
All the funds raised from the event went to help ensure that critical, lifesaving care is available to all patients at CHLA, the top ranked pediatric hospital in California and ranked sixth in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
We tagged along with Jessie for the day to help capture all the fun of Play LA!
Pretty much as soon as she arrived, the flipping began.
Play LA: Jessie flips the step and repeatPosted by American Ninja Warrior Nation on Thursday, August 10, 2017
Jessie had a chance to meet and chat with Laila Ali. The two athletes discussed the similarities and differences in their sports and training.
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She gave a few other activities a try, like hockey and basketball. Turns out, she plans to stick to Ninja-ing.
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In an interview with Radio Disney, Jessie was asked which Disney princess she would like to dress up as on the course. Her response: Hercules
When talking to Landry Bender, from Disney Channel’s Best Friends Whenever, Jessie delved into the idea of growing from perceived failures, saying that falling is always part of the learning process, on and off the course.
Then American Ninja Warrior Travis Brewer arrived, and the flipping immediately started back up again.
Play LA: Jessie and Travis practice flippingPosted by American Ninja Warrior Nation on Thursday, August 10, 2017
See? Even Jessie Graff is still learning from her falls!
Play LA: Side flip practicePosted by American Ninja Warrior Nation on Thursday, August 10, 2017
Once Ninja Warriors Nicholas Coolridge and Tiana Webberley dropped in, the stunt work really kicked into high gear.
Play LA: Nicholas gets a lift from TianaPosted by American Ninja Warrior Nation on Thursday, August 10, 2017
Play LA: Shoulder StandsPosted by American Ninja Warrior Nation on Thursday, August 10, 2017
Play LA: Ninja Chicken Fight!Posted by American Ninja Warrior Nation on Thursday, August 10, 2017
Pretty sure this inflatable course was designed for just two people at a time. Oh well. Congrats on the win, Travis!
Play LA: Ninja race!Posted by American Ninja Warrior Nation on Thursday, August 10, 2017